Concerns have been raised over the eligibility of one of the Conservative candidates standing in the borough elections.

Clare Vose, standing in Norcot ward, is understood to be an employee of Reading Borough Council as an employee of a school.

Council spokesman Oscar Mortali said: “It is wholly the responsibility of the agent and the candidate to ensure the candidate is qualified to stand in an election and – if successful – be elected as a councillor.”

The press release announcing the candidacy of Mrs Vose read: “Clare is a family worker at English Martyrs and St Michael’s primary schools.”

Leader of the council Councillor Jo Lovelock – a Norcot ward councillor not up for election this time – said: “I was really surprised to see her name on the list of Conservative candidates, given her work in local schools.”

A spokesman for Reading Conservatives said: “We are currently investigating the matter which has yet to be referred to us by Reading Borough Council. When we know the facts of the matter we will be able to comment further.”

The Electoral Commission’s guidance for candidates says: “There are certain people who are disqualified from being elected to a local authority in England and Wales.

“You cannot be a candidate if at the time of your nomination and on the day of the election you are employed by the local authority ... for example, if you work at certain schools.”